The Critically Conscious Classroom with Dr. Tracie Noriega and Anthony Robinson challenges the status quo and explores real-world solutions for building equitable schools. Through powerful storytelling and deep reflection, we unpack issues of power, privilege, and resistance—equipping you with the tools to make meaningful change in your school community.
On a new episode of The Critically Conscious Classroom, Dr. Tracie Noriega and Anthony Robinson welcome journalist, filmmaker and Define American founder Jose Antonio Vargas for a conversation about citizenship, belonging and the importance of telling the truth about American history. Vargas reflects on arriving from the Philippines at age 12 and how growing up in the Bay Area, then moving East, shaped his understanding of race and why proximity to different people is its own education (06:26). He then explains what he means by “I’m here because you were there,” tracing Filipino migration back to U.S. colonialism (26:57), before asking what immigrant justice and racial justice movements can learn from each other and why truth-telling must come before trust-building (37:03). The conversation closes with Vargas’ freedom dream for America and the role educators play as bridge builders for immigrant and refugee students.
20 Oct 2026
Episode 21: Jay Artis-Wright
Jay Artis-Wright, CEO and executive director of Freedom to Choose Schools, reframes the school choice conversation around access, outcomes and the freedom to pursue what works for students. Artis-Wright explains why representation means nothing without the power and autonomy to lead (15:33), and why human connectivity remains fundamental to learning even as schools navigate new technologies like artificial intelligence (26:38). The conversation also turns to political advocacy and how educators can better understand policymakers, build collective influence and make sure the right messenger is carrying the message (37:05).
6 Oct 2026
Episode 20: Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco
Dr. Tracie Noriega and Anthony Robinson welcome Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco for a conversation about what equity looks like when it moves from values to action. Brent-Sanco explains why leaders should look beyond traditional school metrics and listen to the lived experiences of students and families (21:05), before challenging schools to rethink what meaningful family engagement really looks like (38:49). The conversation also examines the barriers women of color continue to face in educational leadership and what it takes to create spaces where women have both a seat and a say at the table (50:46).
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